Birmingham, Alabama—The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is excited to bring back the popular acting troupe Muse of Fire for its April 2010 BPL@Night program series. Scenes from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet will be the focus of the program scheduled for Thursday, April 8, 2010. The free event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Atrium of the Central Library located at 2100 Park Place.

Muse of Fire, Birmingham’s self-described “deconstructed Shakespeare project,” is known for its “guerilla-style” theater, including unconventional costuming and audience participation. The group will perform Romeo and Juliet in its entirety for the Shakespeare at Sloss Spring Festival production at Sloss Furnaces in May. The unconventional and historic landmark provides an intimate and unusual setting for the troupe’s unexpected interpretations of the Bard of Avon’s masterpieces. This is the fourth year that Muse of Fire has performed at BPL. The previous three years were huge successes. This year’s performance is sure to please as the Muse of Fire brings its innovative and dynamic style to the Library.

To satisfy Birmingham residents’ desire for free enriching cultural programming downtown and in city neighborhoods, and to provide more opportunities for citizens to visit their local library, BPL developed BPL @ Night, a series of evening performances offered free-of-charge at BPL’s Central and branch libraries. The Birmingham Public Libraries that offer the BPL@Night programs attract a diverse audience of community members by presenting a variety of programs highlighting local and regional performers in the various performance arts.

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MEDIA: Coverage of this program is welcomed. For information, or to schedule an interview with program participants, please contact Sandi Lee, Public Services Coordinator, at (205) 226-3742. A Public Service Announcement (PSA) is also attached for your use.

BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
30-Second PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Scenes From Romeo and Juliet Take Center Stage For April’s BPL@Night

Make plans to join the Birmingham Public Library for its next BPL@Night program on Thursday, April 8. BPL welcomes back the local group Muse of Fire performing scenes from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Muse of Fire is known for its “guerilla-style” theater including unconventional costuming and audience participation. If you are brave, and have the heart for a love story with a new twist, join the Library for BPL@Night at 2100 Park Place at 6:30 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. For details, visit www.bplonline.org.